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An additional 7 miles of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway closed on Wednesday after repeated violations to trail and recreation closures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The historic roadway that provides access to many state parks, trailheads and campgrounds was closed in part last week, but that closure was expanded to cover everything from Larch Mountain Road to Angel's Rest from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., officials said.

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Multnomah Falls in Oregon.(Photo: Zach Urness / Statesman Journal)

All state parks and every part of the forest within the 293,000-acre Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including all waterfalls, are closed.

Even so, thousands of people have continued to flood into the Gorge.

"Crews along the road see more than 200 vehicles an hour with many visitors violating barricades, some throwing closure signs off the road and many trespassing into closed parks and trails," said a news release from the Oregon Department of Transportation. "Official crews in the area report contacting visitors about once every four minutes while trying to maintain the closure of recreational facilities."

The closures were put in place following Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's order to "stay home, save lives." The order outlaws non-essential travel and ordered many outdoor recreation spots closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All the normally popular spots in the Gorge, from Multnomah Falls to Vista House, are closed 24 hours a day.

Cars found parked in closed areas will receive $120 citations and people found in closed areas can receive criminal citations for $1,250

“Given what’s been happening in this corridor despite the Governor’s Executive Order, this day-time closure has become necessary to protect Forest Service, Sheriff’s office and State Parks staffs and for protecting the public,” said Rian Windsheimer, ODOT’s regional manager for the Portland area. “Please follow the Governor’s guidance and stay home, save lives.”

The new closure points will be staffed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Access for local residents and emergency services will be maintained.